Montiel not afraid of 'Monsterman' Donaire

ABS-CBN News

Scenes from the pre-fight press conference for the
Nonito Donaire-Fernando Montiel bantamweight title bout.
(Photo by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News)

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines renews its rivalry with Mexico this weekend when Nonito “The Filipino Flash” clashes with Mexican champion Fernando Montiel for the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight titles.

Donaire said he considers Montiel as a friend. He, however, said there will be no friendship involved when they meet inside the boxing ring at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Donaire even became more confident after seeing the results of his blood tests.

“They told me, 'You know that your blood test came in. If you were Superman in the last fight, you're Monsterman in this fight'," Donaire said during the pre-fight press conference. "That is my confidence in this fight."

The 5’4” Montiel, for his part, said he is prepared to face any giant in the ring to defend his titles.

The Mexican admitted that Donaire has potential. He, however, said the Filipino will have a tough time getting past him.

Scenes from the pre-fight press conference for the
Nonito Donaire-Fernando Montiel bantamweight title bout.
(Photo by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News)

"I don't have a doubt that he's going to be a champion not only in the bantamweight division, super bantamweight, probably in featherweight. But not on Saturday (fight day in Las Vegas)," said Montiel.

Accompanying Montiel in the press conference were his Mexican fans who brought along his bantamweight titles.

Montiel is ranked No. 7 in Ring Magazine’s top pound-for-pound list while Donaire is No. 5.

Both boxers are known for their exciting styles of fighting. Even their boxing promoter, Top Rank's Bob Arum, said fans are in for an electrifying fight night.

“I couldn't tell how's this fight's gonna come out. All I know is that it's gonna be a great, great fight,” he said.

Also lined up in the undercard is Filipino welterweight Mark Jason Melligen, who will fight Mexican Gabriel Martinez.

“You watch. There’s going to be fireworks!” Melligen said at the press conference.

Both Donaire and Montiel are currently undergoing strict diet to make the 118-pound bantamweight limit.

The weigh-in ceremonies on Friday (Saturday in Manila) will be open to the public. Filipino and Mexican fans are expected to attend. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News